Organic material grinder and cigarette filler

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an apparatus for grinding and depositing ground material, the apparatus comprising a grinder configured to grind material and a chamber communicatively connected to the grinder, the chamber configured to receive the ground material. In use, the material is ground in the grinder then deposited in the chamber. In one embodiment, the chamber is configured to receive at least one pre-formed tube wherein, in use, the material is deposited in the at least one pre-formed tube in the chamber.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method forgrinding material and depositing the ground material, in one embodiment,in at least one pre-formed tube.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cigarettes are formed from paper tubes that are stuffed with finely cuttobacco leaves. Cigarettes are generally manufactured by factories. Somepeople prefer to hand make their own cigarettes rather than purchasethem. Handmade cigarettes are made by grinding tobacco then stuffingpre-rolled paper tubes with the ground tobacco or placing the groundtobacco on a paper which is then rolled into a tube. A filter may beincluded in the pre-rolled paper tube or added after to the pre-rolledpaper tube or the paper that is rolled into a tube.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,170 discloses a grinder including a grinder housinghaving a grinder actuator, a first grinding plate, a second grindingplate and a detachable coupling arrangement. The first grinding plate isdetachably coupled to the grinder actuator and the first grinding platehas a plurality of first grinding knifes downwardly and spacedlyextended from a bottom side of the first grinding plate. The secondgrinding plate has a plurality of second grinding knifes upwardly andspacedly extended from the top side of the second grinding plate at aposition that the first and second grinding knifes are spacedly disposedwithin a grinding compartment, such that when the grinder actuator isturned with respect to the grinder base to drive the first grindingplate to rotate, the first and second grinding knifes arecorrespondingly moved within the grinding compartment to provide agrinding action. Grinded material is manually collected by a user to bestuffed in a pre-rolled tube or placed on paper which is then rolledinto a tube.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,171,939 discloses a cigarette injector for loadingtobacco leaves into a hollow cigarette paper tube. The injector includesa housing having a tobacco cavity for disposing the tobacco leaves, anelectric motor having an output shaft and a cigarette fillingarrangement. The cigarette filling arrangement includes an elongatedinjection tube having a supplying end communicating with the tobaccocavity and a dispensing end for the cigarette paper tube encirclingtherewith, and an elongated tobacco feeder, which has a helicoid shape,having a driving end being driven to rotate via the output shaft of theelectric motor and a feeding end extended within the injection tubethrough the tobacco cavity, wherein the tobacco feeder is driven torotate for loading the tobacco leaves within the tobacco cavity into thecigarette paper tube through the injection tube. A user sleeves theinjection tube with a hollow pre-rolled tube and loads tobacco leavesinto the tobacco cavity. When the electric motor is turned on, the motordrives an elongated wire to rotate which pushes the tobacco leaves intothe injection tube and further into the pre-rolled tube.

While devices for grinding organic material and making handmadecigarettes are known, improvements are desired. For example, there is aneed to provide a single device that both grinds material and depositsthe ground material, in one embodiment, in a pre-formed tube.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novelapparatus that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art devices.Further and other objects of the present invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art from reading the following summary of theinvention and the detailed description of the embodiments described andillustrated herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is providedan apparatus for grinding and depositing material, the apparatuscomprising: a grinder configured to grind material; and a chambercommunicatively connected to the grinder, the chamber configured toreceive ground material, wherein, in use, the material is ground in thegrinder then deposited in the chamber.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the chamber isconfigured to receive at least one pre-formed tube wherein, in use, theground material is deposited in the at least one pre-formed tube in thechamber.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the grinder comprises: afirst grinding unit comprising at least one first protrusion; and asecond grinding unit comprising at least one second protrusion and atleast one aperture, wherein when the first grinding unit is movedrelative to the second grinding unit, the at least one first protrusioninteracts with the at least one second protrusion to grind the material,and wherein the ground material passes through the at least oneaperture.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one firstprotrusion is a plurality of first protrusions, the at least one secondprotrusion is a plurality of second protrusions and the at least oneaperture is a plurality of apertures.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second grindingunits are magnetically detachably coupled.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first grinding unitfurther comprises a first magnetic element and the second grinding unitcomprises a second magnetic element, the first and second magneticelements being magnetically couplable.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the second magnetic elementcan swing towards the chamber and is stopped from swinging towards thefirst grinding unit.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first grinding unit isdetachably connected to the second grinding unit.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the second grinding unitfurther comprises a window for viewing the interior of the secondgrinding unit.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber comprises atleast one receptacle configured to receive ground material and wherein,in use, the ground material is deposited in the at least one receptacle.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one receptacleis configured to receive at least one pre-formed tube and wherein, inuse, the large ground material is deposited in the at least onepre-formed tube in the at least one receptacle.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a separator communicatively connected to the grinder andconfigured to receive the ground material and separate large groundmaterial from small ground material, wherein, in use, the large groundmaterial is deposited in the chamber, in the at least one receptacle orin the at least one pre-formed tube in the chamber or the at least onereceptacle.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the separator comprises atleast one filter comprising a porous material for allowing passage ofthe small ground material therethrough and an aperture for allowingpassage of the large ground material therethrough, the aperturepositioned such that the large ground material passes through theaperture and is deposited in the chamber or in the at least onepre-formed tube in the chamber.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one filter is aconical filter.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the porous material is ascreen.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one filter ismounted on a seat configured for collection of the small groundmaterial.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one receptacleis a plurality of receptacles.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of receptaclescomprises a central receptacle and at least one peripheral receptacle.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one peripheralreceptacle is six peripheral receptacles.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one receptacleis cylindrically shaped.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the central receptacle andthe at least one peripheral receptacle are similarly sized and shaped.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber further comprisesa base enclosing the at least one receptacle at an end opposite thegrinder.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the base further comprises anaperture from which the at least one receptacle is accessible.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a valve configured to permit the passage of the large groundmaterial therethrough in a direction such that it can be deposited inthe chamber, in the at least one receptacle or in the at least onepre-formed tube in the chamber or the at least one receptacle and toprevent the passage of the large ground material in the oppositedirection.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the valve comprises at leastone arm.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one arm is twoarms.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a removable plug configured to seal the aperture.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a storage unit connected to the chamber and configured tostore the material.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a cap for enclosing the storage unit.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cap is detachably screwedto the storage unit.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a stuffer sized and shaped to fit into the chamber, the atleast one receptacle or the at least one pre-formed tube in the chamberor the at least one receptacle to stuff the ground material into thechamber, the at least one receptacle or the at least one pre-formed tubein the chamber or the at least one receptacle.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a support sized and shaped to fit in the chamber or the atleast one receptacle for supporting the at least one pre-formed tube inthe chamber or in the at least one receptacle.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber comprises arotatable cylinder comprising at least two receptacles, each receptacleof the at least two receptacles configured to receive ground material,wherein, in use, the ground material is deposited into a firstreceptacle of the at least two receptacles and into at least a secondreceptacle of the at least two receptacles upon rotation of thecylinder.

In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the at least tworeceptacles is configured to receive a pre-formed tube wherein, in use,the ground material is deposited into the first pre-formed tube in thefirst receptacle and into at least a second pre-formed tube in the atleast second receptacle upon rotation of the cylinder.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a separator communicatively connected to the grinder andconfigured to receive the ground material and separate large groundmaterial from small ground material, wherein, in use, the large groundmaterial is deposited into the first receptacle or the first pre-formedtube in the first receptacle and into at least the second receptacle orat least the second pre-formed tube of at least the second receptacleupon rotation of the cylinder.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the separator comprises atleast one filter comprising a porous material for allowing passage ofthe small ground material therethrough and an aperture for allowingpassage of the large ground material therethrough, the aperturepositioned such that the large ground material passes through theaperture into the first receptacle.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one filter is aconical filter.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the porous material is ascreen.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one filter ismounted on a seat configured for collection of the small groundmaterial.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least two receptaclesis seven receptacles.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least two receptaclesare cylindrically shaped.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least two receptaclesare similarly sized and shaped.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a valve configured to permit the passage of the large groundmaterial therethrough in a direction such that it can be deposited intothe first receptacle or the first pre-formed tube in the firstreceptacle and to prevent the passage of the large ground material inthe opposite direction.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the valve comprises at leastone arm.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one arm is twoarms.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber further comprisesa base enclosing the at least two receptacles at an end opposite thegrinder.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the base further comprises anaperture from which one of the at least two receptacles is accessible.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a removable plug configured to seal the aperture.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a stuffer sized and shaped to fit the at least two receptaclesor the at least one pre-formed tube in the at least two receptacles tostuff the ground material into the at least two receptacles or thepre-formed tube in each of the at least two receptacles.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a support sized and shaped to fit in at least one receptacleof the at least two receptacles for supporting the pre-formed tube inthe at least one receptacle of the at least two receptacles.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a case enclosing the chamber.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the case further comprises awindow for viewing the interior of the case.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the case is connected to thegrinder.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the case is connected to theseat.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprising a storage unit connected to the chamber and configured tostore material.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus furthercomprises a cap for enclosing the storage unit.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one pre-formedtube is made of paper.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the material is organicmaterial.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the material is tobacco.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method comprising: grinding a material with a grinder; anddepositing the ground material directly into at least one pre-formedtube.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprisesseparating the ground material into large and small ground material;capturing the small ground material; and depositing the large groundmaterial directly into the at least one pre-formed tube.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus comprising: a grinder configured to grindmaterial; and a chamber communicatively connected to the grinder andconfigured to receive at least one pre-formed tube, wherein, in use, thematerial is ground in the grinder then deposited in the at least onepre-formed tube.

The apparatus provides a single structure for grinding material andfilling, in one embodiment, at least one pre-formed tube with the groundmaterial.

Further advantages of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from reading the following detailed descriptionof the embodiments described and illustrated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further understood from the followingdetailed description of the embodiments with reference to the followingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an apparatus in accordancewith an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 as assembled;

FIG. 1b is a partially exploded perspective view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1c is a front elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1d is a side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1e is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1f is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1a taken along the section line A-A of FIG. 1 e;

FIG. 2a is a top perspective view of a first grinding unit of theapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b is a bottom perspective view of the first grinding unit of FIG.2 a;

FIG. 2c is a top plan view of the first grinding unit of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2d is a front elevation view of the first grinding unit of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 2e is a bottom plan view of the first grinding unit of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2f is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the first grindingunit of FIG. 2a taken along the section line J-J of FIG. 2 e;

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a second grinding unit of the apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3b is a bottom perspective view of the second grinding unit of FIG.3 a;

FIG. 3c is a top plan view of the seconding grinding unit of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3d is a bottom plan view of the seconding grinding unit of FIG. 3a;

FIG. 3e is a front elevation view of the seconding grinding unit of FIG.3 a;

FIG. 3f is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the secondinggrinding unit of FIG. 3a taken along the section line K-K of FIG. 3 e;

FIG. 4a is perspective view of a sleeve of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4b is a top plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 4c is a front elevation view of the sleeve of FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 5a is a top perspective view of a magnet assembly of the apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5b is a bottom perspective view of the magnet assembly of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5c is a top plan view of the magnet assembly of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5d is a bottom plan view of the magnet assembly of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5e is a front elevation view of the magnet assembly of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5f is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the magnet assemblyof FIG. 5a taken along the section line J-J of FIG. 5 e;

FIG. 6a a top perspective view of a filter of the apparatus of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 6b is a bottom perspective view of the filter of FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 6c is a bottom plan view of the filter of FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 6d is a front elevation view of the filter of FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 6e is a side elevation view of the filter of FIG. 6a taken alongthe section line J-J of FIG. 6 d;

FIG. 7a is a top perspective view of a seat of the apparatus of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 7b is a bottom perspective view of the seat of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 7c is a top plan view of the seat of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 7d is a bottom plan view of the seat of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 7e is a front elevation view of the seat of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 7f is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the seat of FIG. 7ataken along the section line K-K of FIG. 7 e;

FIG. 8a is a top perspective view of a valve layer of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 a;

FIG. 8b is a top plan view of the valve layer of FIG. 8a without aone-way valve;

FIG. 8c is a top perspective view of a one-way valve of the valve layerof FIG. 8 a;

FIG. 8d is a top plan view of the one-way valve of FIG. 8 c;

FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a cylinder of the apparatus of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 9b is a plan view of the cylinder of FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 9c is a front elevation view of the cylinder of FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 9d is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the cylinder of FIG.9a taken along the section line J-J of FIG. 9 c;

FIG. 9e is a perspective view of a pre-formed tube for use in theapparatus in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 10a is a top perspective view of a connector of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 a;

FIG. 10b is a bottom perspective view of the connector of FIG. 10 a;

FIG. 10c is a top plan view of the connector of FIG. 10 a;

FIG. 10d is a bottom plan view of the connector of FIG. 10 a;

FIG. 10e is a front elevation view of the connector of FIG. 10 a;

FIG. 10f is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the connector ofFIG. 10a taken along section line J-J of FIG. 10 e;

FIG. 11a is a top perspective view of a base of the apparatus of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 11b is a bottom perspective view of the base of the FIG. 11 a;

FIG. 11c is a top plan view of the base of the FIG. 11 a;

FIG. 11d is a bottom plan view of the base of the FIG. 11 a;

FIG. 11e is a front elevation view of the base of the FIG. 11 a;

FIG. 11f is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the base of theFIG. 11a taken along section line K-K of FIG. 11 e;

FIG. 12a is a top perspective view of a plug base of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 a;

FIG. 12b is a bottom perspective view of the plug base of FIG. 12 a;

FIG. 12c is a top plan view of the plug base of FIG. 12 a;

FIG. 12d is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the plug base ofFIG. 12a taken along section line L-L of FIG. 12 c;

FIG. 12e is a bottom plan view of the plug base of FIG. 12 a;

FIG. 12f is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the plug base ofFIG. 12a taken along section line M-M of FIG. 12 e;

FIG. 13a is a top perspective view of a plug of the apparatus of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 13b is a bottom perspective view of the plug of FIG. 13 a;

FIG. 13c is a top plan view of the plug of FIG. 13 a;

FIG. 13d is a bottom plan view of the plug of FIG. 13 a;

FIG. 13e is a front elevation view of the plug of FIG. 13 a;

FIG. 13f is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the plug of FIG.13a taken along section line J-J of FIG. 13 e;

FIG. 14a a perspective view a case of the apparatus of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 14b is a side elevation view of the case of FIG. 14 a;

FIG. 14c is a front elevation view of the case of FIG. 14 a;

FIG. 14d is a cross-sectional side elevation of the case of FIG. 14aview taken along section line K-K of FIG. 14 c;

FIG. 14e is a perspective view of a window of the apparatus of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 15a is a top perspective view of a storage connector of theapparatus of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 15b is a bottom perspective view of the storage connector of FIG.15 a;

FIG. 15c is a top plan view of the storage connector of FIG. 15 a;

FIG. 15d is a bottom plan view of the storage connector of FIG. 15 a;

FIG. 15e is a front elevation view of the storage connector of FIG. 15a;

FIG. 15f is cross-sectional a side elevation view of the storageconnector of FIG. 15a along section line J-J of FIG. 15 e;

FIG. 16a is a perspective view of a cleaning tool of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 a;

FIG. 16b is a plan view of the cleaning tool of FIG. 16 a;

FIG. 16c is a partial exploded view of the area A of FIG. 16 b;

FIG. 16d is a front elevation view of the cleaning tool of FIG. 16 a;

FIG. 16e is a partial exploded view of the area B of FIG. 16 d;

FIG. 16f is a side elevation view of the cleaning tool of FIG. 16 a;

FIG. 17a is a top perspective view of a cap of the apparatus of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 17b is a bottom perspective view of the cap of FIG. 17 a;

FIG. 17c is a plan view of the cap of FIG. 17 a;

FIG. 17d is a front elevation view of the cap of FIG. 17 a;

FIG. 17e is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the cap of FIG. 17aalong section line D-D of FIG. 17 d;

FIG. 18a is an exploded perspective view of a stuffer in accordance withan aspect of the invention;

FIG. 18b is a perspective view of the stuffer of FIG. 18 a;

FIG. 18c is a plan view of the stuffer of FIG. 18 a;

FIG. 18d is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the stuffer ofFIG. 18a taken along section line M-M of FIG. 18 c;

FIG. 19a is a perspective view of a support in accordance with an aspectof the invention;

FIG. 19b is a plan view of the support of FIG. 19 a;

FIG. 19c is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the support ofFIG. 19a taken along section line M-M of FIG. 19 b;

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatusin accordance with an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 20a is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 20 as assembled;

FIG. 20b is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 20a with acylinder removed from the apparatus;

FIG. 21a is a top perspective view of a seat of the apparatus of FIG.20;

FIG. 21b is a bottom perspective view of the seat of FIG. 21 a;

FIG. 21c is a front elevation view of the seat of FIG. 21 a;

FIG. 21d is a top plan view of the seat of FIG. 21 a;

FIG. 21e is a bottom plan view of the seat of FIG. 21 a;

FIG. 21f is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the seat of FIG.21a taken along section line K-K of FIG. 21 e;

FIG. 22a is a perspective view of a sleeve of the apparatus of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22b is a front elevation view of the sleeve of FIG. 22 a;

FIG. 22c is a top plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 22 a;

FIG. 22d is a bottom plan view of the sleeve of FIG. 22 a;

FIG. 22e is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the sleeve of FIG.22a taken along section line K-K of FIG. 22 d;

FIG. 23a is a top perspective view of a one-way valve of the apparatusof FIG. 20;

FIG. 23b is bottom perspective view of the one-way valve of FIG. 23 a;

FIG. 23c is front elevation view of the one-way valve of FIG. 23 a;

FIG. 23d is a plan view of the one-way valve of FIG. 23 a;

FIG. 23e is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the one-way valveof FIG. 23a taken along section line K-K of FIG. 23 d;

FIG. 24a is a top perspective view of an upper chamber connector of theapparatus of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24b is a bottom perspective view of the upper chamber connector ofFIG. 24 a;

FIG. 24c is a front elevation view of the upper chamber connector ofFIG. 24 a;

FIG. 24d is a bottom plan view of the upper chamber connector of FIG. 24a;

FIG. 24e is a top plan view of the upper chamber connector of FIG. 24 a;

FIG. 24f is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the upper chamberconnector of FIG. 24a taken along section line O-O of FIG. 24 e;

FIG. 25a is a top perspective view of an lower chamber connector of theapparatus of FIG. 20;

FIG. 25b is a bottom perspective view of the lower chamber connector ofFIG. 25 a;

FIG. 25c is a front elevation view of the lower chamber connector ofFIG. 25 a;

FIG. 25d is a bottom plan view of the lower chamber connector of FIG. 25a;

FIG. 25e is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the lower chamberconnector of FIG. 25a taken along section line J-J of FIG. 25 d;

FIG. 26a is a top perspective view of a base of the apparatus of FIG.20;

FIG. 26b is a bottom perspective view of the base of FIG. 26 a;

FIG. 26c is a side elevation view of the base of FIG. 26 a;

FIG. 26d is a plan view of the base of FIG. 26 a;

FIG. 26e is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the base of FIG.26a taken along section line J-J of FIG. 26 d;

FIG. 27a is a perspective view of a plug of the apparatus of FIG. 20;

FIG. 27b is a bottom perspective view of the plug of FIG. 27 a;

FIG. 27c is a top plan view of the plug of FIG. 27 a;

FIG. 27d is a front elevation view of the plug of FIG. 27 a;

FIG. 28a is a perspective view of a cover of the apparatus of FIG. 20;

FIG. 28b is a bottom perspective view of the cover of FIG. 28 a;

FIG. 28c is a plan view of the cover of FIG. 28 a;

FIG. 28d is a front elevation view of the cover of FIG. 28 a;

FIG. 28e is a side elevation view of the cover of FIG. 28 a;

FIG. 28f is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the cover of FIG.28a taken along section line L-L of FIG. 28 e;

FIG. 29a is a top perspective view of an inner cover of the apparatus ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 29b is a bottom perspective view of the inner cover of FIG. 29 a;

FIG. 29c is a bottom plan view of the inner cover of FIG. 29 a;

FIG. 29d is a top plan view of the inner cover of FIG. 29 a;

FIG. 29e is a side elevation view of the inner cover of FIG. 29 a;

FIG. 29f is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the inner cover ofFIG. 29a taken along section line L-L of FIG. 29 e;

FIG. 30a is a perspective view of a cylinder of the apparatus of FIG.20;

FIG. 30b is a front elevation view of the cylinder of FIG. 30 a;

FIG. 30c is a top plan view of the cylinder of FIG. 30 a;

FIG. 30d is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the cylinder ofFIG. 30a taken along section line J-J of FIG. 30 c;

FIG. 31a is a perspective view of a first cylinder end of the apparatusof FIG. 20;

FIG. 31b is a bottom perspective view of the first cylinder end of FIG.31 a;

FIG. 31c is a front elevation view of the first cylinder end of FIG. 31a;

FIG. 31d is a plan view of the first cylinder end of FIG. 31 a;

FIG. 32a is a perspective view of a second cylinder end of the apparatusof FIG. 20;

FIG. 32b is a bottom perspective view of the second cylinder end of FIG.32 a;

FIG. 32c is a front elevation view of the second cylinder end of FIG. 32a;

FIG. 32d is a plan view of the second cylinder end of FIG. 32 a;

FIG. 33a is a perspective view of a grinding plate in accordance with anaspect of the invention;

FIG. 33b is a perspective view of a grip in accordance with an aspect ofthe invention;

FIG. 33c is a perspective view of the grinding plate of FIG. 33aconnected to the grip of FIG. 33 b;

FIG. 34a is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cleaning toolof the apparatus of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 34b is a top plan view of the cleaning tool of FIG. 34 a;

FIG. 34c is a front elevation view of the cleaning tool of FIG. 34a ;and

FIG. 34d is a side elevation view of the cleaning tool of FIG. 34 a.

Similar references are used in different figures to denote similarcomponents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to FIG. 1, an exploded perspective view of an apparatus inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention is shown and isgenerally identified by reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 has agenerally cylindrical shape, thus, the various elements of the apparatus10 are generally cylindrically shaped. As can be seen, the apparatus 10comprises a grinder 100, a separator 200, a chamber 300, a case 400 anda storage unit 500. The grinder 100 is connected to the separator 200which is also connected to the case 400. The chamber 300 is insertedinto the case 400 and connected thereto. The storage unit 500 isconnected to the chamber 300. As shown in FIGS. 1a to 1f , when thegrinder 100, separator 200, chamber 300, case 400 and storage unit 500are connected in this configuration, the apparatus 10 forms a singleunit for grinding material and depositing the ground material into thechamber 300 as will be explained in more detail below.

The grinder 100 is configured to grind material. The grinder 100comprises a first grinding unit 110, a second grinding unit 130, asleeve 150 and a magnet assembly 160.

Turning now to FIGS. 2a to 2f , the first grinding unit 110 is betterillustrated. The grinding unit 110 comprises an outer surface 112, anindentation 114, a first gripping surface 116, an inner surface 118, aninner wall surface 120, projections 122, a protrusion 124 and a northernmagnetic element 126. In this embodiment, the indentation 114 is starshaped. The projections 122 extend vertically from the inner surface118. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are sixteen (16) conicallyshaped projections 122. The northern magnetic element 126 is housedwithin the protrusion 122. The protrusion 122 is formed from theindentation 114 in the outer surface 112. In this embodiment, theprotrusion 124 is centrally located.

Turning now to FIGS. 3a to 3f , the second grinding unit 130 is betterillustrated. The second grinding unit 130 comprises a second grippingsurface 132, a rim 134, a receiving surface 136, a first surface 138,offset projections 140, apertures 142, a central aperture 144, clippingapertures 146 and a threaded surface 148. The offset projections 140extend vertically from the first surface 138. In this embodiment, thereare twelve (12) conically shaped offset projections 140. The apertures142 are distributed between the projections 140. The central aperture144 is conically shaped. The threaded surface 148 is threaded forconnection to the separator 200 which will be explained in more detailbelow.

Turning now to FIGS. 4a to 4c , the sleeve 150 is better illustrated.The sleeve 150 comprises an outer surface 152, a ledge 154 and an innersurface 156. The outer surface 152 is made of such material to permitrotation along it by an abutting element. In this embodiment, the sleeve150 is made of nylon.

Turning now to FIGS. 5a to 5f , the magnet assembly 160 is betterillustrated. The magnet assembly 160 comprises a ring 162, clips 164, ahousing 166, an attachment member 168 and a southern magnetic element170. The clips 164 extend from the ring 162. In this embodiment, thereare four (4) clips 164. The housing 166 is connected to the ring 162 bythe attachment member 168. The housing 166 is configured such that itcan move away from the ring 162 in the opposite direction from which theclips 164 project, but not past the plane of the ring 162. In thisembodiment, the attachment member 168 is flexible and configured suchthat the housing 166 can swing away from the ring 162. The southernmagnetic element 170 is fixedly housed within the housing 166. In thisembodiment, the southern magnetic element 170 is a neodymium magnet.

In order to assemble the grinder 110, the sleeve 150 is affixed to thesecond grinding unit 130. Specifically, the inner surface of the sleeve156 is affixed to the receiving surface 134 with an adhesive such thatthe ledge 154 of the sleeve 150 abuts the rim 134 of the second grindingunit 130. The first grinding unit 110 is removably seated on the secondgrinding unit 130 when the inner wall surface 120 of the first grindingunit 110 abuts the outer surface 152 of the sleeve 150. The firstgrinding unit 110 is rotatable relative to the second grinding unit 130.The projections 122 of the first grinding unit 110 and the offsetprojections 140 of the second grinding unit 130 are positioned such thatprior to, and during rotation of the first grinding unit 110 relative tothe second grinding unit 130, the projections 122 and offset projections140 do not directly connect each other.

The magnet assembly 160 is connected to the second grinding unit 130 byinserting the clips 164 into the clipping apertures 146 and the housing166 into the central aperture 144. The clips 164 secure the magnetassembly 160 to the second grinding unit 130. In this embodiment, anadhesive is additionally used to secure the clips 164 to the clippingapertures 146. The southern magnetic element 170 in the housing 166 ismagnetically attached to the northern magnetic element 126 of the firstgrinding unit 110 when the first grinding unit 110 is seated on thesecond grinding unit 130. The northern and southern magnetic elements(126, 170) are magnetized such that the first grinding unit 110 willstay affixed to the second grinding unit 130 in any orientation and suchthat a user may remove the first grinding unit 110 from the secondgrinding unit 130 without overly significant effort.

Once the magnet assembly 160 is connected to the second grinding unit130 then if the housing 166 is swung away from the ring 162, seating ofthe first grinding unit 110 on the second grinding unit 130 will causethe housing 166 to swing to the same plane as the ring 162. Due to theconical shape of the central aperture 144 of the second grinding unit130, the housing 166 cannot swing past the plane of the first surface138 of the second grinding unit 130.

As shown in FIG. 1, the separator 200 comprises a filter 210, a seat 230and a valve layer 250. Turning now to FIGS. 6a to 6e , the filter 210 isshown in more detail. The filter 210 comprises: arms 212; a porousmaterial 214, in this embodiment, a mesh or screen; an aperture 216, anupper rim 218; a lower rim 220; lips 222; and stoppers 224. The arms 212project radially outwardly from the aperture 216 and the porous material214 is positioned between adjacent arms 212. The lips 222 projectoutwardly from the lower rim 220 and interact with the seat 230 as willbe explained below. In this embodiment, there are two (2) lips 222. Thestoppers 224 project towards the lower rim 220 from the upper rim 218.The bottom edge of the upper rim 218 and the stoppers 224 interact withthe seat 230 as will be explained below. The filter 210 has a largeopening relative to the smaller sized aperture 216 which, in thisembodiment, is centrally located. In this embodiment, the filter 210 isa conical- or funnel-shaped filter. The porous material 214 may be anymaterial containing pores known to persons skilled in the art toseparate large and small material including, but not limited to, filterpaper, wire mesh or wire screening as long as the pores of the porousmaterial 214 are smaller than the aperture 216.

Turning now to FIGS. 7a to 7f , the seat 230 is shown in more detail.The seat 230 comprises a filter surface 232, a second threaded surface234, a second gripping surface 236, a second central aperture 238,mounting lips 240, an inner gripping surface 242, valve projections 244,case lips 246 and mating stoppers 248. The two (2) mounting lips 240project inwardly from within the second central aperture 238 andinteract with the filter 210 as will be explained. The two (2) matingstoppers 248 project upwardly from the second threaded surface and alsointeract with the filter 210 as will be explained. The two (2) valveprojections 244 project from the inner gripping surface 242 and interactwith the valve layer 250 as will be explained. The two (2) case lips 246project from the inner gripping surface 242 and interact with the case400 as will be explained.

Turning now to FIGS. 8a and 8b , the valve layer 250 is shown in moredetail. The valve layer 250 comprises a valve disc 252 and a valve 262.The valve disc 252 comprises seat indents 254 and a valve aperture 256.Turning now to FIGS. 8c and 8d the valve 262 is shown in more detail.The valve 262 comprises a valve passage 264 and valve arms 266. Thevalve arms 266 project inwardly within the passage 264. The valve arms266 are configured such that upon moving in a direction they return to aresting state in the same plane as the valve 262. In this embodiment,the valve 262 is a one-way or non-return valve with the valve arms 266being resilient and bending only in the one direction towards thechamber 300. The valve 262 is fit into the valve aperture 256 andfrictionally secured within the valve aperture 256.

The filter 210, seat 230 and valve layer 250 are assembled in thefollowing manner. The filter 210 is connected to the seat 230 byrotating the filter 210 relative to the seat 230 such that lips 222projecting from the lower ring 220 rotate under the mating lips 240 suchthat the filter 210 cannot be separated from the seat 230 withoutrotation of the filter 210 or seat 230. During rotation of the filter210 the stoppers 224 move to abut the mating stoppers 248 of the seat230. The stoppers 224 and mating stoppers 248 are positioned such thatthey are in abutting relationship once the lips 222 are below the matinglips 240. Once the stoppers 224 and mating stoppers 248 abut, the filter210 can no longer be rotated in its original rotation direction andcannot be pulled apart from the seat 230. To remove the filter 210 fromthe seat 230, the filter 210 is rotated in the opposite direction suchthat the lips 222 are no longer directly below the mating lips 240 (whenthe filter 210 is above the seat 230) and the stoppers 224 and matingstoppers 248 are not abutting. The valve layer 250 is rotated relativeto the seat 230 until the seat indents 254 correspond to the valveprojections 244. The valve layer 250 is then affixed to the seat 230using an adhesive. The valve layer 250 is oriented relative to the seat230 such that the valve arms 266 can be swung away from the filter 210.In this embodiment, the valve 262 is a one-way or non-return valve andthe valve arms 266 cannot be swung towards the filter 210.

As shown in FIG. 1, the chamber 300 comprises a cylinder 310, connector320, base 340, plug base 360 and plug 380. Turning now to FIGS. 9a to 9d, the cylinder 310 is shown in more detail. The cylinder 310 comprisesreceptacles, specifically, a central receptacle 312 and peripheralreceptacles 314. In this embodiment, the receptacles are cylindricallyshaped. The cylinder 310 further comprises a first end 316 and a secondend 318. In this embodiment, the receptacles are hollow throughout andare sized to receive a pre-formed tube 3000 shown in FIG. 9e . In thisembodiment, there are six (6) peripheral receptacles 314.

A pre-formed tube 3000 is defined herein throughout as a tube that maybe formed prior to insertion into the apparatus 10 or 1000 (explainedbelow) or is formed by the apparatus 10 or 1000 prior to depositing theground material therein. The pre-formed tube 3000 comprises a first end3010, a second end 3020 and a filter 3030. The first end 3010 is opensuch that ground material can enter the interior of the pre-formed tube3000 through the first end 3010. The filter 3030 is located within thepre-formed tube 3000 near the second end 3020. In this embodiment, thesecond end 3020 is blocked such that ground material cannot exit theinterior of the pre-formed tube 3000 through the second end 3020, butthe pre-formed tube 3000 can still be smoked. In this embodiment, thepre-formed tube 3000 is made of paper and is suitable for use as acigarette.

Turning now to FIGS. 10a to 10f , the connector 320 is shown in moredetail. The connector 320 comprises a threaded surface 322, an innersurface 324, connector clips 326 and an edge 328. The inner surface 324is shaped to conform to the shape of the cylinder 310 such that thecylinder 310 is insertable into the connector 320. In this embodiment,the connector 320 comprises three (3) connector clips 326.

Turning now to FIGS. 11a to 11f , the base 340 is shown in more detail.The base 340 comprises connector clip apertures 342, a central aperture344, peripheral indents 345, a central protrusion 346, storageprotrusions 348, a gripping surface 350, a first surface 352 and asecond surface 354. In this embodiment, there are three (3) connectorclip apertures 342. Each storage protrusion 348 extends towards thecentral aperture 344 from the inner surface of the gripping surface 350.The peripheral indents 345 are aligned with the peripheral receptacles314 of the cylinder 310 such that a single peripheral indent 345 abutsthe second end 318 of the cylinder 310 when the cylinder 310 isconnected to the base 340. The peripheral indents 345 are sized andshaped such that a pre-formed tube 3000 can rest on a peripheral indent345 while extending through a peripheral receptacle 314. The pre-formedtube 3000 is recessed into the peripheral indent 345 of the base 340such that the pre-formed tube 3000 will maintain a generally verticalorientation within the peripheral receptacle 314. Furthermore, theperipheral indents 345 provide additional length for the pre-formedtubes 3000 in the peripheral receptacles 314.

Turning now to FIGS. 12a to 12f , the plug base 360 is shown in moredetail. The plug base 360 comprises a plug aperture 362, a centralindent 364, plug base indents 366, ledges 367, an outer surface 368, aninner surface 370, a plug trench 372, a plug groove 374, a plug mount376 and a stopper gap 378. In this embodiment, there are three (3) plugbase indents 366. The ledges 367 extend outwardly from the plug baseindents 366 and are used to connect the connector 320, the base 340 andthe plug base 360 together as will be explained below.

Turning now to FIGS. 13a to 13f , the plug 380 is shown in more detail.The plug 380 comprises a head 382, plug lock 384, grips 386, an arm 388,a mounting aperture 390 and a plug stopper 392. The head 382 is sized tofit in the plug aperture 362 of the plug base 360. In this embodiment,there are two grips 386 opposite each other. The arm 388 is made of aflexible material such that can be bent. The mounting aperture 390 issized such that the plug mount 376 can be inserted into it. The plugstopper 392 is sized to fit in the stopper gap 378 to maintain the plug380 in its position once the plug mount 376 is inserted into themounting aperture 390.

The cylinder 310, connector 320, base 340, plug base 360 and plug 380are assembled in the following manner. The cylinder 310 is inserted intothe connector 320 such that the second end 318 of the cylinder 310 isflush with the edge 328 of the connector 320. In this embodiment, thecylinder 310 is connected to the connector 320 using an adhesive. Theconnector 320 is then connected to the base 340. The connector clips 326of the connector 320 are inserted into the connector clip apertures 342of the base 340. In this embodiment, the connector 320 is furtherconnected to the base 340 using an adhesive.

The plug 380 is connected to the plug base 360 by inserting the plugmount 376 of the plug base 360 into the mounting aperture 390 of theplug 380. The plug stopper 392 is secured to the stopper gap 379. Inthis embodiment, the plug stopper 392 and plug mount 376 areadditionally secured using an adhesive. The arm 388 of the plug 380 isthen bent such that the arm passes through the plug groove 374 and intothe trench 372 of the plug base 374. In this embodiment, the arm 388 isbent prior to connection of the plug 380 to the plug base 360 such thatless force is required to bend the arm during assembly. The head 382 ofthe plug 380 is then inserted into the plug aperture 362. The plug lock384 compresses upon insertion of the head 382 and slides into thecentral indent 364 of the plug base 360. This provides a tight fitbetween the head 382 and the plug aperture 362 such that the head 382cannot accidently be removed from the plug aperture 362. The head 382may be removed from the plug aperture 362 by gripping the grips 386 ofthe plug 380 and pulling the head 382 out of the plug aperture 362thereby overcoming compressing the plug 380 such that it can overcomethe frictional force imparted by the central indent 364.

Once the plug 380 and plug base 360 are assembled, the combined plug 380and plug base 360 are connected to the base 340. The central indent 364of the plug base 360 which receives the plug lock 384 also abuts thecentral protrusions 346 of the base 340. Furthermore, in thisembodiment, adhesive is additionally used at this point to connect thebase 340 and the plug base 360. Additional adhesive is also used atedges of the plug base 360 which are in contact with edges of the base340. The plug 380 and plug base 360 are oriented with respect to thebase 340 such that the head 382 of the plug 380 faces towards thecentral aperture 344 of the base 340 and the inner surface 370 of theplug base 380 faces the second surface 354 of the base 340.

The connector 320 is also connected to the base 340 and plug base 360using the connector clips 326 of the connector 320 which have beeninserted into the connector clip apertures 342 of the base 340. Theconnector clips 326 lock onto the ledges 367 of the plug base indents366 of the plug base 360 once they are sufficiently inserted into theconnector clip apertures 342 of the base 340.

Turning now to FIGS. 14a to 14d , the case 400 is shown in more detail.The case 400 comprises a window aperture 410, a threaded inner surface414, finger forms 416 and seat slits 418. The finger forms 416 areshaped and positioned to match an average user's fingers and therebyimprove gripping ease. The seat slits 418 are secured to the case lips246 of the seat 230. Adhesive is additionally used to secure the case400 to the seat 230. The case 400 is removably connected to the chamber300 by screwing the threaded surface 420 of the case 400 to the threadedsurface 322 of the connector 320.

The case 400 further comprises a window 450. Turning now to FIG. 14e ,the window 450 is shown in more detail. The window 450 is shaped to fitinto the window aperture 410 and is secured within the window aperture410 using adhesive and clips on the edges of the window body. The window450 permits viewing into the case 400.

As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 500 comprises a storage connector510, a cleaning tool 530 and a cap 550. Turning now to FIGS. 15a to 15f, the storage connector 510 is shown in more detail. The storageconnector 510 comprises a gripping surface 512, a thread surface 514,cleaning tool clips 516 and L-shaped depressions 518. In thisembodiment, there are three (3) L-shaped depressions 518. Each L-shapeddepression 518 comprises a receiving depression 520 and a holdingdepression 522. The receiving depression 520 is sized such that astorage protrusion 348 of the base 540 can slide down the length of thereceiving depression 520 and then a storage protrusion 348 can slideacross the L-shaped depression 518 to the holding depression 522. Inthis manner, the storage connector 510 is secured to the base 340.

Turning now to FIGS. 16a to 16f , the cleaning tool 530 is shown in moredetail. The cleaning tool 530 comprises a central portion 532, pointedends 534 and angled ends 536. The pointed ends 534 and the angled ends536 extend from the central portion 532. The cleaning tool 530 is sizedto be removably secured to the storage connector 510 by cleaning toolclips 516. In this embodiment, the cleaning tool 530 is X-shaped. Theangled ends 536 comprise an abrasive surface to assist in cleaningand/or scraping. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16c and 16e , theabrasive surface comprises a series of lined extrusions that provide acoarse texture to form an abrasive surface when cleaning and/orscraping.

Turning now to FIGS. 17a to 17e , the cap 550 is shown in more detail.The cap 550 comprises a gripping surface 552, a threaded surface 554, anouter surface 556 and an inner surface 558. The cap 550 is connected tothe storage connector 510 by screwing the cap 550 to the storageconnector 510 such that the threaded surface 554 of the cap 550 contactsthe threaded surface 514 of the storage connector 510. The cap 550 issized to receive and store material prior to grinding or after grindingand can also be used to store various other items.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 further comprises accessories. Theaccessories comprise a stuffer 600 shown in FIGS. 18a to 18d . Thestuffer 600 comprises a rod 610, a shaft 620 and a grip 630. The rod 610fits into the hollow shaft 620 which fits into the hollow grip 630. Theshaft 620 is sized such that it can be inserted into any of thereceptacles including the central receptacle 312 and the peripheralreceptacles 314 and be used to pack ground material into the pre-formedtube 3000. Similarly, the rod 610 is sized to pack ground material intothe pre-formed tube 3000. The rod 610 has a smaller diameter than theshaft 620 such that it can be used to more delicately pack groundmaterial into the pre-formed tube 3000. The grip 630 is affixed to oneend of the shaft and may also be used to pack material into thepre-formed tube 3000.

The accessories further comprise a support 650 shown in FIGS. 19a to 19c. The support 650 is hollow and is sized to fit in any of thereceptacles including the central receptacle 312 and the peripheralreceptacles 314 and contact the inner wall of the receptacle into whichit is inserted. Furthermore, the support 650 is sized such that thepre-formed tube 3000 can be inserted into the support 650. Thepre-formed tube 3000 may be conical in shape and thus, the support 650may have a conically hollow interior. In this manner, the support 650reinforces the pre-formed tube 3000. In use, the pre-formed tube 3000 isinserted into the support 650. Then the pre-formed tube 3000 and support650 are both inserted into one of the receptacles, for example, thecentral receptacle 312.

The apparatus 10 is configured such that the first grinding unit 110;second grinding unit 130; filter 210; seat 230, valve layer 250 and case400; chamber 300; and storage unit 500 are separable by a user by simplypulling or unscrewing parts apart. The first grinding unit 110 isseparable from the second grinding unit 130 by pulling the two units(110, 130) apart. The filter 210 is separable from the seat 230 byunscrewing the filter 210 such that lips 222 of the filter 210 are nolonger in contact with the mountings lips 240 of the seat 230. The seat230, valve layer 250 and case 400 are a single unit that can beunscrewed from the chamber 300 by unscrewing the threaded surface 420 ofthe case 400 from the threaded surface 322 of the connector 320. Thestorage unit 500 is separable from the chamber 300 by rotating thestorage unit 500 such that the storage protrusions 348 of the base 340slide from the holding depression 522 to the receiving depression 520.The storage unit 500 can then be pulled apart from the chamber 300.

A user rotates the first grinding unit 110 by gripping the firstgripping surface 116 with one hand and gripping the second grippingsurface 132 of the second gripping unit 130 with another hand. The firstgrinding unit 110 is then rotated relative to the second grinding unit130 to grind material between the projections 122 and the offsetprojections 140. The ground material then falls through the apertures142. The ground material is then deposited on filter 210. Smaller groundmaterial falls through the porous material 214 of the filter, whilelarger ground material falls through the aperture 216 of the filter 210.The conical or funnel shape of the filter 210 assists, with the aid ofthe force of gravity, in urging the larger ground material down towardthe aperture 216. After falling through the porous material 214, thesmaller ground material is deposited on the filter surface 232 of theseat 230. The smaller ground material may be removed from the filtersurface 232 and used in a manner desired by the user. The larger groundmaterial, due to its weight and the force of gravity, pushes the valvearms 266 away from the grinder 100 and falls into the central receptacle312 where the pre-formed tube 3000 is located. Prior to grinding, thepre-formed tube 3000 is oriented such that the first end 3010, which isan open end of the pre-formed tube 3000, faces the grinder 100 in use.

The user continues grinding material until the pre-formed tube 3000 issufficiently full of larger ground material. The rod 610 of the stuffer600 may be used to further compress the ground material within thepre-formed tube 3000 to the desired density.

To remove the pre-formed tube 3000 with the ground material, the storageunit 500 is disconnected from the chamber 300. The storage unit 500 isrotated such that the storage protrusions 348 of the base 340 slide outof the holding depression 522 of the storage connector 510 and into thereceiving depressions 520. Once the storage protrusions 348 are in thereceiving depressions 520, the storage unit 500 is pulled away from thechamber 300. The user then grips the grips 386 of the plug 380 and pullsthe head 382 of the plug 380 out of the plug aperture 362 of the plugbase 360 by overcoming the frictional force between the plug lock 384 ofthe plug 380 and the central indent 364 of the plug base 360. Thepre-formed tube 3000 with the ground material can then be removed fromthe central receptacle 312.

The apparatus 10 permits a user to grind material and have the groundmaterial deposited in a pre-formed tube 3000 without requiringadditional user interaction. When the device is upright, with thegrinder 100 positioned above the chamber 300, the ground material isdeposited into the pre-formed tube 3000 in the central receptacle 312due to the force of gravity without the need for any additional useraction. Furthermore, the apparatus 10 permits for simple removal of thepre-formed tube 3000 with the ground material in it, and storage ofadditional pre-formed tubes 3000 in the peripheral receptacles 314 ofthe cylinder 310.

The apparatus 10 also permits storage of material prior to grinding inthe storage unit 500, specifically within the cap 550. The simpleconnections of the elements of the apparatus 10 permit easy connectionand disconnection for storage, cleaning and travel.

To clean the apparatus 10, the storage unit 500 is disconnected from thechamber 300. The storage connector 510 is then disconnected from the cap550 and the cleaning tool 530 is unclipped from the cleaning tool clips516 of the storage connector 510. The angled ends 536 and the pointedends 534 of the cleaning tool 530 can be inserted into crevices andrecesses where material may have become inadvertently lodged in theapparatus 10.

Turning now to FIG. 20, an exploded perspective view of anotherembodiment of the apparatus 1000 is shown. The apparatus 1000 has agenerally cylindrical shape, thus, the various elements of the apparatus1000 are generally cylindrically shaped. In this embodiment, theapparatus 1000 comprises a grinder 1100, a separator 1200, a chamber1300, a case 1400 and a storage unit 1600. The grinder 1100 is connectedto the separator 1200 which is also connected to the case 1400. Thechamber 1300 is inserted into the case 1400 and connected thereto. Thestorage unit 1600 is connected to the case 1400. As shown in FIG. 20a ,when the grinder 1100, separator 1200, chamber 1300, case 1400 andstorage unit 1600 are connected in this configuration, the apparatus1000 forms a single unit for grinding material and depositing the groundmaterial into multiple pre-formed tubes 3000 as will be explained inmore detail below. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20b , the chamber 1300is removable from the rest of the apparatus 1000.

The grinder 1100 is configured to grind material. The grinder 1100comprises a first grinding unit 1110, a second grinding unit 1130, anorthern magnetic element 1126 and a sleeve 1150 as shown in FIG. 20.The first grinding unit 1110, second grinding unit 1130, northernmagnetic element 1126 and sleeve 1150 are similar to the elements of thegrinder 100 already described and shown in FIGS. 1a, 2a to 2f, 3a to 3f,4a to 4c and 5a to 5f and will not be described further.

The storage unit 1600 is configured to store material. The storage unit1600 comprises a storage connector 1610 and a cap 1650. The storage unit1600 is similar to the storage unit 500 already described and shown inFIGS. 1a, 15a to 15f and 17a to 17f and will not be described further.Although not shown, storage unit 1600 may be configured to store thecleaning tool 530 already described and shown in FIGS. 16a to 16 f.

As shown in FIG. 20, the separator 1200 comprises a filter 1210 and aseat 1230. The filter 1210 is similar to the filter 210 alreadydescribed and shown in FIGS. 6a to 6e and will not be described further.Turning now to FIGS. 21a to 21f , the seat 1230 is shown in more detail.The seat 1230 comprises a filter surface 1232, a threaded surface 1234,a gripping surface 1236, an aperture 1238, mating lips 1240, innergripping surface 1242, case lips 1244 and stoppers 1246. The filtersurface 1232 receives the smaller ground material which passes throughthe porous material of the filter 1210 while the larger ground materialpasses through the aperture 1238 as already described. The threadedsurface 1234 receives the second grinding unit 1130 as alreadydescribed. The filter 1210 is connected to the seat 1230 interactingwith the mating lips 1240 and the mating stoppers 1246 as alreadydescribed. The two (2) mounting lips 1240 project from the innergripping surface 1242 and interact with the case 1400 as will beexplained.

As shown in FIG. 20, the case 1400 comprises a valve sleeve 1410, avalve 1420, an upper chamber connector 1430, a lower chamber connector1450, a base 1470, a plug 1490, a plug base 1510, a cover 1530 and aninner cover 1550. Turning now to FIGS. 22a to 22e , the valve sleeve1410 is shown in more detail. The valve sleeve 1410 is generallycylindrical and comprises an inner surface 1412, an outer surface 1414,gaps 1416, a first end 1418, a second end 1419 and a rim 1417. In thisembodiment, there are two (2) gaps 1416. The walls of the valve sleeve1410 are angled such that the second end 1419 is wider than the firstend 1418. The second end 1419 contacts the seat 1230 while the first end1418 contacts the valve 1420. The valve sleeve 1410 acts to directlarger ground material that has passed through the aperture 1238 in thefilter 1210 towards the valve 1420 and the upper chamber connector 1430.

Turning now to FIGS. 23a to 23e , the valve 1420 is shown in moredetail. The valve 1420 comprises a ring 1422, arms 1424, aperturepassage 1426 and clips 1428. The arms 1424 project into the passage 1426from the ring 1422 and function similarly to the valve arms 266 of thevalve 262 already described. The clips 1428 project away from the ring1422 and interact with the upper chamber connector 1430 as will bedescribed.

Turning now to FIGS. 24a to 24f , the upper chamber connector 1430 isshown in more detail. The upper chamber connector 1430 comprises aprojecting portion 1432, case clips 1434, an upper chamber trench 1436,an upper chamber protrusion 1438, a central aperture 1440, valvereceiving clips 1442 and a valve sleeve receiver 1444. The projectingportion 1432 has a crescent moon shape. The case clips 1434 interactwith the cover 1530 as will be explained. In this embodiment, there arethree (3) case clips 1434. The upper chamber trench 1436 and the upperchamber protrusion 1438 interact with the chamber 1300 as will beexplained. In this embodiment, there are four (4) valve receiving clips1442.

The valve 1420 is connected to the upper chamber 1430 by connecting theclips 1428 of the valve 1420 into the receiving clips 1442 of the upperchamber connector 1430 and inserting the valve 1420 into the centralaperture 1440 of the upper chamber connector 1430.

The gaps 1416 in the outer surface 1414 of the valve sleeve 1410 alignwith the valve sleeve receiver 1444 of the upper chamber connector 1430ensuring that the valve sleeve 1410 cannot rotate relative to the upperchamber connector 1430. The valve sleeve 1410 fits between the upperchamber connector 1430 and the seat 1230 when the upper chamberconnector 1430 and seat 1230 are connected together.

Turning now to FIGS. 25a to 25e , the lower chamber connector 1450 isshown in more detail. The lower chamber connector 1450 is similar to theupper chamber connector 1430. The lower chamber connector 1450 comprisesa projecting portion 1452, connector clips 1454, a lower chamber trench1456, a lower chamber protrusion 1458, a central aperture 1460 and aplug indent 1462. The projecting portion 1452 has a crescent moon shape.The case clips 1454 interact with the cover 1530, base 1470 and plugbase 1510 as will be explained. In this embodiment, there are three (3)case clips 1454. The lower chamber trench 1456 and the lower chamberprotrusion 1458 interact with the chamber 1300 as will be explained.

Turning now to FIGS. 26a to 26e , the base 1470 is shown in more detail.The base 1470 comprises a first surface 1472, a second surface 1474, acentral aperture 1476, a ridge 1478, a gap 1480, a central projection1482, connector clip apertures 1484 and storage clips 1486. The ridge1478 defines the gap 1480 which interacts with the plug 1490 as will beexplained. The central projection 1480 projects into the centralaperture 1460 of the lower chamber connector 1450. The connector clipapertures 1484 receive the connector clips 1454 of the lower chamberconnector 1450. In this embodiment, there are three (3) connector clipapertures 1484. The storage clips 1486 interact with the storageconnector 1610 in the manner previously explained in regards to storageconnector 510.

The plug base 1510 is similar to the plug base 360 already described.The connector clips 1454 of the lower chamber connector 1450 passthrough the connector clip apertures 1484 of the base 1470 and clip ontothe ledges of the plug base 1510 as already described.

Turning now to FIGS. 27a to 27d , the plug 1490 is shown in more detail.The plug 1490 comprises a plug stopper 1492, a mounting aperture 1494,an arm 1496, grips 1498, a head 1500, a second head 1502, a plug lock1504 and a second plug lock 1506. The plug stopper 1492, mountingaperture 1494, arm 1496 and grips 1498 function as previously describedin regards to the plug 380 shown in FIGS. 13a to 13e . The plug lock1504 projects from the head 1500 and is inserted into the gap 1480 ofthe base 1470 when the plug 1490 is inserted into the central aperture1476 of the base 1470. The second plug lock 1506 projects from thesecond head 1502 and is inserted into the plug indent 1462 of the lowerchamber connector 1450 when the plug 1490 is inserted into the centralaperture 1460 of the lower chamber connector 1450. In this manner, theplug 1490 is secure within the base 1470 and the lower chamber connector1450. The plug 1490 can be removed by gripping the grips 1498 andpulling the plug 1490 out of central aperture (1460, 1476). Removing theplug 1490 gives the user access to the contents of the chamber 1300 ifthe chamber 1300 is connected to the case 1400.

Turning now to FIGS. 28a to 28f , the cover 1530 is shown in moredetail. The cover 1530 comprises a lower chamber ring 1532, an upperchamber ring 1534, seat gaps 1536, an inner cover receiver 1538 andcover clips 1540. The lower chamber ring 1532 fits around the lowerchamber connector 1450. The upper chamber ring 1534 fits around theupper chamber connector 1430. In this embodiment, the lower and upperchamber connectors (1450, 1430) are connected to the lower and upperchamber rings (1532, 1534), respectively, using adhesive. The seat gaps1536 receive the case lips 1244 of the seat 1230. In this embodiment,the seat 1230 is connected to the case 1530 using adhesive. Further, inthis embodiment, there are three (3) seat gaps 1536. The inner coverreceiver 1538 and the inner cover clips 1540 interact with the innercover 1550 to connect the cover 1530 with the inner cover 1550.

Turning now to FIGS. 29a to 29f , the inner cover 1550 is shown in moredetail. The inner cover 1550 comprises an inner surface 1552, an outersurface 1554, a cover receiver mate 1556, two gaps 1558, chamber matinginserts 1560 and wings 1562. The cover receiver mate 1556 projects fromthe outer surface 1554 and is configured to be received by the innercover receiver 1538 of the cover 1530. As one of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate, the cover receive mate 1556 could receive the innercover receiver 1538. The gaps 1558 are formed from the wings 1562 whichproject at an angle from the outer surface 1554. The gaps 1558 areconfigured to receive the inner cover clips 1540 of the cover 1530. Inthis manner, the inner cover 1550 is connected to the cover 1530. Inthis embodiment, additional adhesive is used to connect the inner cover1550 to the cover 1530. The chamber mating inserts 1560 project from theinner surface 1552 of the inner cover 1550 and are located on either endof the inner cover 1550. The chamber mating inserts 1560 are configuredto receive the chamber 1300 as will be described.

As shown in FIG. 20, the chamber 1300 comprises a cylinder 1310, a firstcylinder end 1320 and a second cylinder end 1340. Turning now to FIGS.30a to 30d , the cylinder 1310 is shown in more detail. The cylinder1310 comprises a central receptacle 1312, peripheral receptacles 1314, afirst end 1316, a second end 1318 and apertures 1319. In thisembodiment, the receptacles are cylindrically shaped. The receptaclesare hollow throughout and are sized to receive the pre-formed tube 3000.There is the same number of peripheral receptacles 1314 as apertures1319. In this embodiment, there are six (6) peripheral receptacles 1314and six (6) apertures 1319. The apertures 1319 interact with the firstand second cylinder ends (1320, 1340) as will be described.

Turning now to FIGS. 31a to 31d , the first cylinder end 1320 is shownin more detail. The first cylinder end 1320 comprises an outer surface1322, an inner surface 1324, a head 1326, a rectangular frame 1328, acircular frame 1330, a first shaft 1332, a case mating gap 1334, a tab1336 and a cylinder protrusion 1338. The rectangular frame 1328 and thecircular frame 1330 project from the outer surface 1322 of the head1326. The first shaft 1332 is tapered such that the end nearest theinner surface 1324 is wider than the end farthest from the inner surface1324. The first shaft 1332 is sized to fit in the central receptacle1312 of the cylinder 1310. The first shaft 1332 connects to the secondcylinder head 1340 as will be described. In this embodiment, the firstshaft 1332 is hollow and has a generally hexagonal shape. The casemating gap 1334 guides the connection of the chamber 1300 to the cover1530 and inner cover 1550 as will be described. The tab 1336 isconfigured such that it can rotate relative to the head 1326. In thisembodiment, the tab 1356 is flexibly connected to the head 1326. Thecylinder protrusion 1338 extends from the tab 1336 in the same directionas the first shaft 1332. The cylinder protrusion 1338 interacts with theapertures 1319 of the cylinder 1310 as will be described.

Turning now to FIGS. 32a to 32d , the second cylinder end 1340 is shownin more detail. The second cylinder end 1340 comprises an outer surface1342, an inner surface 1344, a head 1346, a rectangular frame 1348, acircular frame 1350, a second shaft 1352, a case mating gap 1354, a tab1356 and a cylinder protrusion 1358. The rectangular frame 1348 and thecircular frame 1350 project from the outer surface 1342 of the head1346. The second shaft 1352 receives the first shaft 1332 of the firstcylinder head 1320. The second shaft 1352 is sized to fit in the centralreceptacle 1312 of the cylinder 1310. In this embodiment, the secondshaft 1352 is hollow and has a generally hexagonal shape. The casemating gap 1354 guides the connection of the chamber 1300 to the cover1530 and inner cover 1550 as will be described. The tab 1356 isconfigured such that it can rotate relative to the head 1346. In thisembodiment, the tab 1356 is flexibly connected to the head 1346. Thecylinder protrusion 1358 extends from the tab 1356 in the same directionas the second shaft 1352. The cylinder protrusion 1358 interacts withthe apertures 1319 of the cylinder 1310 as will be described.

The first and second cylinder ends (1320, 1340) are connected byinserting the first shaft 1332 and the second shaft 1352 into thecentral receptacle 1312. The first shaft 1332 frictionally fits into thesecond shaft 1352 such that chamber mating gaps (1334, 1354) arealigned. The cylinder protrusions (1338, 1358) are each inserted intoseparate single apertures 1319 of the cylinder 1310. One cylinderprotrusion 1338 is inserted into an aperture 1319 on the first end 1316and one cylinder protrusion 1358 is inserted into an aperture 1319 onthe second end 1318. The cylinder ends (1320, 1340) may be flipped suchthat the cylinder protrusions (1338, 1358) can be inserted intoapertures 1319 on either the first or second end (1316, 1318).

In this manner, a user has access to a single peripheral receptacle 1314of the cylinder. Once the first and second shafts (1332, 1352) areconnected, the first and second cylinder ends (1320, 1340) arerotatable. Rotating the first and second cylinder ends (1320, 1340)causes the cylinder protrusions (1338, 1358) to come out of theapertures 1319 of the cylinder 1310. The tabs (1336, 1356) flex awayfrom the heads (1326, 1346) of the first and second cylinder ends (1320,1340) to allow the cylinder protrusions (1338, 1358) to come out of theapertures 1319. As the first and second cylinder ends (1320, 1340)rotate to another peripheral receptacle 1314, the cylinder protrusions(1338, 1358) are inserted into other apertures 1319 on the first andsecond end (1316, 1318) of the cylinder 1310 and the tabs (1336, 1356)flex back to their resting positions. In this embodiment, duringrotation an audible clicking is heard from the removal and insertion ofthe cylinder protrusions (1338, 1358) indicating to the user that adifferent peripheral receptacle 1314 has been selected.

Rotating the first and second cylinder ends (1320, 1340) changes whichperipheral receptacle 1314 the user has access to such that every singleperipheral receptacle 1314 is individually accessible. Individualpre-formed tubes 3000 can be inserted into each peripheral receptacle1314 by rotating the first and second cylinder end (1320, 1340). Theindividual peripheral receptacle 1314 is accessible through the chambermating gaps (1334, 1354) while the heads (1326, 1346) block all otherperipheral receptacles 1314.

The cylinder 1300 is connected to the case 1400 by inserting thecylinder 1300 such that the circular frames (1330, 1350) receive theupper chamber trench 1436 of the upper chamber connector 1430 and thelower chamber trench 1456 of the lower chamber connector 1450. Therectangular frames (1328, 1348) are also received within the upperchamber trench 1436 and the lower chamber trench 1456. The chamber 1300can be flipped such that either rectangular frame (1328, 1348) andeither circular frame (1330, 1350) contacts either the upper or thelower chamber trench (1436, 1456) and the upper or the lower chamberprotrusion (1438, 1458), respectively. This established a frictional fitbetween the chamber 1300 and the upper and lower chamber connector(1430, 1450).

The chamber mating inserts 1560 of the inner cover 1550 contact thechamber mating gaps (1334, 1354) of the first and second cylinder ends(1320, 1340), respectively. The chamber mating inserts 1560 act to guidethe chamber 1300 into connection with the upper and lower chamberconnector (1430, 1450). When the chamber 1300 is connected to the upperand lower chamber connector (1430, 1450), the cylinder 1310 can berotated to access the different peripheral receptacles 1314 as alreadyexplained.

In use, material is ground and separated as already explained. Thelarger ground material is then deposited in the peripheral receptacle1314 selected by the user and into the first end 3010 of the pre-formedtube 3000. Once the pre-formed tube 3000 within the particularperipheral receptacle 1314 reaches the desired level of larger groundmaterial, the chamber 1300 can be removed and the cylinder 1310 or firstand second cylinder ends (1320, 1340) are rotated to select a differentperipheral receptacle 1314 containing a different pre-formed tube 3000.The user can also rotate the cylinder 1310 while the chamber 1300 isconnected to the upper and lower chamber connector (1430, 1450) tochange the peripheral receptacle 1314 containing a different pre-formedtube 3000 into which larger ground material is deposited. In thismanner, the user can quickly and easily fill six (6) pre-formed tubes3000 with large ground material, by simply rotating the cylinder 1310.

To remove a pre-formed tube 3000 from a peripheral cylinder 1314, thechamber 1300 can be removed and the pre-formed tube 3000 is immediatelyaccessible from the peripheral receptacle 1314 aligned to the chambermating gaps (1334, 1354). The pre-formed tube 3000 may instead beremoved by removing the plug 1490 from the central aperture 1460 of thelower chamber connector 1450 and the central aperture of the plug base1510. The pre-formed tube 3000 may be pushed out from a peripheralreceptacle 1314 using any element of the stuffer 600 as alreadydescribed.

In another embodiment, the various components of the apparatus (10,1000) have a non-cylindrical shape such that the apparatus (10, 1000)has a non-cylindrical shape.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 33a to 33f , the first grindingunit (110, 1110) comprises a grinding plate 2010 and a grip 2020. Thegrinding plate 2010 functions similarly to the first grinding unit (110,1110) as already described. The grinding plate 2010 is clear such that auser can view the material being ground. The grip 2020 comprises agripping surface 2022, an inner surface 2024 and a lip 2026. Thegrinding plate 2010 is configured to fit into the grip 2020. Thegrinding plate 2010 abuts the lip 2026 of the grip 2020. In thisembodiment, the grinding plate 2010 is secured to the lip 2026 using anadhesive.

In another embodiment, the first grinding unit (110, 1110) is engravedwith text or a design indicating a logo, trademark and/or text such asinstructions on use. The projections (122, 140) of the first grindingunit (110, 1110) and the second grinding unit (130, 1130), respectively,may be various shapes, such as a knife shape, or sizes. Each projection(122, 140) may have a different shape.

In another embodiment, the protrusion 124 of the first grinding unit(110, 1110) is in a non-central location. The various other componentsof the apparatus (10, 1100) are still aligned with the protrusion 124 tofunction as described.

In another embodiment, the second grinding unit (130, 1130) has a windowsimilar to the window aperture 410 in the case 500 already described.The window in the second grinding unit (130, 1130) permits the user toview the grinding of the material.

In another embodiment, the sleeve (150, 1150) of the apparatus (10,1000) is removably affixed to the second grinding unit (130, 1130). Thesleeve (150, 1150) may be affixed to the second grinding unit (130,1130) by friction such that it may be removed by a user if desired.

In another embodiment, the case 500 does not have a window aperture 410.

In another embodiment, the first grinding unit (110, 1110); secondgrinding unit (130, 1130) with sleeve 150; filter (210, 1210); seat(230, 1230) with valve layer 250 and case (400, 1400), storage unit(500, 1600) and chamber (300, 1300) form separate elements, which maysold separately as parts of a kit to be assembled or as unit which canbe disassembled and reassembled as desired.

In another embodiment, the valve disc 252 of the valve layer 252 doesnot comprises seat indents 254 and the seat 230 does not comprise valveprojections 244.

In another embodiment, the cleaning tool 530 has a differentconfiguration. Turning now to FIGS. 34a to 34d , another embodiment of acleaning tool 2530 is shown in more detail. The cleaning tool 2530comprises a central portion 2532, a pointed end 2534, an angled end2536, a shovel end 2538 and a wedge end 2540. The ends (2534, 2536, 2538and 2540) extend from the central portion 2532. The ends (2534, 2536,2538 and 2540) form various shapes to assist in cleaning the apparatus(10, 1000). In this embodiment, the cleaning tool 2530 is X-shaped. Theangled end 2536 comprises an abrasive surface to assist in cleaningand/or scraping. In this embodiment, the abrasive surface comprises aseries of lined extrusions that provide a coarse texture to form anabrasive surface when cleaning and/or scraping.

The cleaning tools (530, 2530) are sized to be removably secured to thestorage containers (510, 1610) as already explained. The cleaning tools(530, 2530) may be used with any of the embodiments of the apparatus(10, 1000) described herein. While embodiments of the cleaning tool(530, 2530) have been described with four (4) ends of particular shapeand configuration, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that moreor less ends are possible with various shapes and configurations.

In the embodiments described, the various parts of the apparatus (10,1000) may be manufactured from any material known to persons skilled inthe art that would suitably perform the function for which they areintended, including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, silicone, wood,cork etc. or any combination thereof. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the various parts in a single apparatus (10, 1000) maybe manufactured from a variety of different materials known to personsskilled in the art that would suitably perform the function for whichthey are intended.

While it is contemplated that the device is for use in grinding tobacco,any other organic leafy material known to persons skilled in the art tobe smoked may also be used.

While the use of adhesive has been described in various embodimentsherein, any connecting techniques, methods and/or materials known topersons of ordinary skill in the art that would suitably perform thefunction for which they are intended, may be used such as, but notlimited to, moulding, overmoulding, screwing, nailing etc.

Although certain embodiments have been described with reference to thefigures, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations andmodifications may be made without departing from the scope thereof asdefined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for grinding and depositing organicleafy material into at least one paper tube, said apparatus comprising:a grinder configured to grind said organic leafy material, said grinderhaving at least one aperture through which ground material passes; and achamber connected to said grinder in alignment with said at least oneaperture, said chamber configured to receive said at least one papertube therein and to receive said ground material from said at least oneaperture via gravity such that said at least one paper tube receivedwithin said chamber is at least partially filled with said groundmaterial.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grinder comprises: afirst grinding unit comprising at least one first protrusion; and asecond grinding unit comprising at least one second protrusion and saidat least one aperture, and wherein when said first grinding unit ismoved relative to said second grinding unit, said at least one firstprotrusion interacts with said at least one second protrusion to grindsaid material.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising aseparator connected to said grinder and located between said grinder andsaid chamber and configured to receive said ground material from saidgrinder through said at least one aperture and to separate large groundmaterial from small ground material, wherein, in use, said large groundmaterial is deposited in said at least one paper tube in said chamber.4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said separator comprises at leastone filter comprising a porous material for allowing passage of saidsmall ground material therethrough and a separator aperture for allowingpassage of said large ground material therethrough, said separatoraperture positioned such that said large ground material passes throughsaid separator aperture and is deposited in said at least one paper tubein said chamber.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a baseenclosing said chamber at an end opposite said grinder, said basecomprising a base aperture from which said at least one paper tube insaid chamber is accessible.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 furthercomprising a cylinder having a central receptacle and at least oneperipheral receptacle, each of said central receptacle and at least oneperipheral receptacle configured to receive said at least one papertube, said central receptacle in alignment with said at least oneaperture.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a separatorconnected to said grinder and located between said grinder and saidchamber and configured to receive said ground material from said grinderand to separate large ground material from small ground material.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein said chamber further comprises a baseenclosing said chamber at an end opposite said grinder, said basecomprising a base aperture from which said at least one paper tube insaid chamber is accessible.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, furthercomprising a removable plug configured to seal said base aperture. 10.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chamber comprises a rotatablecylinder comprising at least two receptacles, wherein a first receptacleof said at least two receptacles is configured to receive a first papertube and a second receptacle of said at least two receptacles isconfigured to receive a second paper tube, wherein, in use, said groundmaterial is deposited into said first paper tube in a first receptacleof said at least two receptacles and into at least said second papertube in said at least a second receptacle of said at least tworeceptacles, upon rotation of said cylinder.
 11. The apparatus of claim10, further comprising a separator connected to said grinder and locatedbetween said grinder and said chamber and configured to receive saidground material from said grinder and to separate large ground materialfrom small ground material, wherein, in use, said large ground materialis deposited into said first paper tube in said first receptacle of saidat least two receptacles and into at least said second paper tube insaid second receptacle of said at least two receptacles, upon rotationof said cylinder.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said separatorcomprises at least one filter comprising a porous material for allowingpassage of said small ground material therethrough and a separatoraperture for allowing passage of said large ground materialtherethrough, said separator aperture positioned such that said largeground material passes through said at least one aperture into saidfirst receptacle.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said chamberfurther comprises a base enclosing said at least two receptacles at anend opposite said grinder, said base comprising a base aperture fromwhich the paper tube in one of said at least two receptacles isaccessible.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said organic leafymaterial is tobacco.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said organicleafy material is tobacco.
 16. A method for grinding and depositing aleafy organic material into at least one paper tube comprising: grindingsaid leafy organic material with a grinder, said grinder having at leastone aperture through which ground material passes; and depositing saidground material via gravity from said at least one aperture into achamber connected to said grinder in alignment with said at least oneaperture, said chamber configured to receive said at least one papertube therein, such that said at least one paper tube is at leastpartially filled with said ground material.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein said organic leafy material is tobacco.
 18. The method of claim16, wherein after the step of grinding, the method further comprisesseparating said ground material into large and small ground material;and capturing said small ground material.
 19. The method of claim 18further wherein said large ground material is received by said chambersuch that at least one paper tube is at least partially filled with saidlarge ground material.